The first time I visited Avilon Zoo a couple of years back, I really loved the experience!

Yesterday (April 5), together with some friends from work, I spent a whole day at Avilon Zoo for the second time, and boy, I had a wonderful time! As they say, the second time is always sweeter, well in this case, much, much better than the first since a lot of improvement had been done by the administration of the zoological park (and still doing more until now, kudos to them).

Unlike my first visit, our small group didn’t hire a tour guide. Since I’ve been there before, maybe I’ll just be the tour guide (minus the explanation about the animals, of course! 😀 ). Avilon Zoo is a seven hectare park and it’s fun to get lost at such a big place when you’re with carefree, good-tempered people. Nobody complained about all the walking, the heat or to those who arrived a little late. All of us just had fun! And I’d like to share just how much fun we had.

It feels good to get away from the hum of the city even for a while. A few weeks ago, I had the chance to spend a couple of days in Pundaquit, Zambales. Let me share some pictures of those relaxing days. 🙂

Exploring the beach early morning, Saturday.

*Some quick snaps.*

Had to ask our driver to stop here so I could take these shots.

I need to explore the place more. And I’m definitely going back! I have yet to know the real name of the river and the places it runs through. I have to visit the islands, too (Caponies) and see the other side of the hill, where, according to the locals, the water is calmer and the environment is more serene. Yeah, there’s a lot more to discover!

Yesterday, August 1, I became an instant photographer for a colleague. I did it willingly, since I love nature trips. We went to La Mesa Eco Park, which is located in East Fairview, Quezon City. I knew of the existence of La Mesa Watershed and heard about the park inside, but I didn’t know that the park had been there since the time of the Marcoses. It was only when I was asked to take photos did I do a little reading about La Mesa and learned that in April 2004, it was rehabilitated and made into a nature park, thus, the birth of the La Mesa Eco Park.

La Mesa Eco Park offers numerous amenities that visitors can enjoy. It’s known as the only park in Manila that has salt-water (said to be healthier) pools open to the public. Aside from the pools, there are picnic and biking areas for families to enjoy. Marvel at the flower terraces or go fishing at the nearby lagoon.

The salt-water swimming pool, the stairs that lead to the top of the flower terraces, and the fishing lagoon.

The park has a fitness trail, too, for the health and fitness buffs. In front of fitness trail entrance is a man-made lagoon that is covered by green moss (I don’t know what it’s called). It’s actually my favorite area. In the middle of the lagoon is a sculpture of Neptune and Aphrodite riding a giant sea turtle (pawikan), honed by—according to our tour guide—national artist Napoleon Abueva. It’s a beautiful creation. Looking at it from the back, it seems to be moving away from you; like it has a definite destination and the sea turtle is determined to bring its passengers where they want to go.

The path to the Fitness Trail, NA’s sculpture–front and back views.

There’s a boating area a few meters away from the Eco Center (Pangasiwaan), with a view of the old dam at one side. Another must-see/must-visit area is the Orchidarium. It’s an enclosed trail with varieties of orchids placed in various parts of the circular sanctuary. I’m sure it’s a sight to behold when the flowers are in bloom. It’s my second best. You can spend long quiet hours to just relax or hide from the scorching heat of the sun, with only the birds and butterflies to keep you company.

The boating area, entance to the Orchidarium, shaded from the noon star, a bench to rest as you go around the orchid garden.

It’s nice to know that a place like La Mesa Eco Park exists in the heart of the metropolis. But there’s still a lot to be done to improve it. And we can give our own little share by visiting this nature park. The entrance fee is around 50 pesos. Not only will you be helping preserve and maintain it, you will also be one with nature. Go and try, spend at least a day in La Mesa Eco Park—on a Sunday perhaps, with your family or friends. It’s a nice place to escape the buzz and pollution of the city. 🙂

If you want to spend some quiet moments, refresh your mind, feel close to nature and God, Caleruega is the perfect place to go; located in Brgy. Kaylayaw, Batulao, Nasugbu Batangas. As described in the flyer given to visitors at the gate, Caleruga is a house (place) of prayer and renewal. It is equipped with facilities for activities like retreats, recollections, prayer and renewal workshops, and other religious and environmental-related assemblies. But you can also go for a day’s visit. Like what I did last weekend. For 30 pesos entrance fee, you can enjoy the breathtaking views, clear your mind and find peace.